Definition and cause

Low blood pressure seen in many and is a great normal variation. Unlike the elevated blood pressure, it is innate, low blood pressure is not dangerous. It is often seen in young, high and thin man. Low blood pressure is defined as a sustained systolic blood pressure (high value) at rest of about 100-110 mmHg. See more on blood pressure and blood pressure measurement during high blood pressure.

Low blood pressure associated with disease or medication overuse is an entirely different and much more serious condition (see shock). It can be seen by example. heart failure, Addison's disease or diabetes.

The symptoms in these conditions will not be reviewed here.

Symptoms of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure gives no symptoms, so long as pressure is maintained at a fairly level. Some may have problems with dizziness, and often seen so-calledOrthostaticblood pressure drop. That is a significant (about 20%) decrease in blood pressure when changing from lying or sitting to an upright position. It turns out by fainting and dizziness pronounced. Orthostatic blood pressure drop occurs in about. 10% of the elderly population.

Treatment, course and complications

There is no good treatment for low blood pressure, best advice is to be careful not to get up too quickly, and in other situations that cause problems.

There are tried with mineralokortikoider (adrenal cortical hormones) and increased salt intake, but this treatment increases the risk of high blood pressure and is not recommended, unless the condition is very debilitating.

Orthostatic blood pressure fall has caused many fall at home, and it can have serious consequences as a broken hip, broken arm or concussion.

If you are born with low blood pressure, was significantly reduced risk of developing high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, and hence reduced risk of developing dreaded diseases as myocardial infarction and stroke.